Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe?

The act of smoking is prohibited in working environments and in most public places. As the price of a pack of cigarettes continues to rise, more and more people are discovering the benefits of the electronic cigarette. If you want to quit smoking, giving up has never been easier. Electronic cigarettes offer smokers the same satisfaction as regular cigarettes; however, the question remains: Are electronic cigarettes safe?

How do electronic cigarettes work?

Some electronic cigarettes look, feel and taste just like regular cigarettes but without the harmful chemicals such as tobacco, carbon monoxide, tar and ash. The nicotine in the atomizing chamber of the electronic cigarette creates a vaporlike smoke without the tobacco odor. This vapor is what gives the smoker his much craved nicotine hit. What also makes the electronic cigarette unique is its composition:

Mouthpiece filter

Nicotine cartridge

Heating element with a lithium battery

Light in the front that glows when the smoker takes a puff

Different kinds of electronic cigarettes

During early stages of development, there were only one or two electronic cigarette models. Nowadays, as demand rises, more styles are hitting the market. The two models described below are the most popular. It's recommended that the smoker own at least two of them so that when one is in use, the other can be recharged.

One type of electronic cigarette looks like a regular cigarette with a replaceable filter that lasts about as long as a pack of cigarettes. One electronic cigarette comes with five filters. The cigarette itself is rechargeable and lasts three months or longer, depending upon usage.

Another kind of electronic cigarette doesn't look like a cigarette at all. At first glance this cigarette looks like a pencil or tube. These models usually come with a refillable atomizer. Oil has to be administered into the atomizer on a regular basis. This type lasts six months or longer, depending upon usage.

What about taste?

Electronic cigarettes come in a variety of flavors. You can choose a traditional tobacco flavor or go with something more creative. Root beer, coffee, green tea, candy, ice cream and fruit are popular flavors. With each flavor you can select a nicotine strength level. Alternately, you can opt to "vape" nicotine-free and just enjoy the taste of a particular flavor. Creative minds can even create their own mixture of flavor and nicotine.

Are electronic cigarettes safe?

Electronic cigarettes are definitely safer than regular cigarettes. Instead of inhaling intense amounts of chemicals, electronic cigarettes derive their taste from an oil mixed with flavor.

A way to quit smoking

One only has to listen to ex-smokers to realize how effective electronic cigarettes can be. Individuals who have tried the patch and chewing gum often have failed. With the electronic cigarette, there are no withdrawal symptoms. Smokers still get their nicotine, but in a healthier form.

Is there second hand smoke?

With electronic cigarettes there is no smoke at all, but rather a fine vapor, which is why smoking electronic cigarettes is called "vaping". Vaping is completely odorless and can be used both indoors and outdoors without fear of second hand smoke. Restaurants, cinemas, airplanes and even workplaces do not object to their use.

If you want to quit smoking, the electronic cigarette is unsurpassed as a tool for success. However, even though the device is safe, caution should be exercised when handling the oils and nicotine, as these substances remain toxic in liquid form.